In the first chapter in the book the author, Joseph J. Ellis, details the famous duel between, President, Alexander Hamilton and, Vice President, Aaron Burr, in a challenge of honor, taken place on July 11, 1804. This was known as the most famous duel in American history, which took place near Weehawken, New Jersey. The two exchanged bullets after a distance of ten paces and Hamilton was severely injured which lead to his death the next day. Ellis also discusses how the result in the duel reveals the importance of personal reputation in the days of a future government because Aaron Burr was the Vice President at the time and he just killed the President. The duel between Burr and Hamilton is the most famous confrontation in American history.
